Varna is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Covering an area of 205 km², it is Bulgaria's third-largest city with a population of over 310,664 people. Its location on the northern coast of the Black Sea and its abundance of natural resources make it one of Europe’s famous holiday destinations and undoubtedly the largest in the Black Sea region. Additionally, it is situated at the crossroads between Western Europe and the Middle East.

 

1. WEATHER

Varna enjoys a great location and mild climate year-round. The coldest period is usually from December to March, with average temperatures ranging from 5 to 10°C. Summer starts in early May and lasts until early October. During the summer months, temperatures typically range between 25°C and 35°C. The hottest months are generally July and August, with temperatures around 30-35°C, making it the perfect climate for beach visits and enjoying the sun. During summer, the sea temperature is usually around 23-27°C.

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2. BEACHES AND THERMAL SPRINGS

The Varna Region (including Golden Sands and St. St. Constantine and Helena Resorts) is famous for its fine, pure sands and hot mineral springs. Golden Sands Resort is known as the "Pearl of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast."

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3. HISTORY

Varna is the cradle of the oldest civilization in Europe. In the city, you can see original artifacts of the world's oldest gold treasure (4600-4200 BC). And this is just the start of your historical tour—there are many other treasures from later periods and cultures, such as Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Bulgarian. Guests of Varna are deeply impressed and captivated by the rich collections in Varna’s museums, which include Europe’s fourth-largest Roman Baths.

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4. CULTURAL LIFE AND FESTIVALS

Varna has become a very cosmopolitan city, with artistic and cultural exhibitions throughout the city all year round. There are many art galleries and museums. Varna boasts numerous cultural events, including folklore, music, ballet, opera, and theater, film and animation screenings, outdoor exhibitions, and numerous art galleries.

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5. GASTRONOMY

Bulgarian cuisine is extremely diverse and delicious, with a variety of salads, breads, stews, and other local dishes. Most dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations. In Varna, there are many traditional Bulgarian restaurants and wineries where you can taste famous dishes with various specialties.

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6. HOSPITABLE PEOPLE

Bulgarians are very hospitable people. In most places, you are welcomed in a traditional way with delicious local dishes and wines. People love to celebrate, and you can observe local festivals. Many young Bulgarians speak English and other foreign languages.

 

7. ARCHITECTURE

In 1878, Varna was an Ottoman city with narrow, winding streets, mostly wooden houses typical of the Black Sea coast. It was surrounded by a restored stone wall from the 1830s, with a fortress, moat, towers, intricately decorated iron gates, and a vaulted stone bridge over the Varna River. The area was filled with pre-Ottoman ruins, which were commonly used as quarries. Today, little remains of this heritage; the city center was rebuilt in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Western style, with local interpretations of Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco, led by the emerging Bulgarian middle class (many of these buildings were restored and renovated after 1989).